Tennessee Bitcoin Reserve Bill Stalls in House as Senate Advance

• The US House of Representatives has soft-pedalled on Tennessee’s Bitcoin Reserve Bill.
• The Senate is progressing its version of the bill despite the House’s reserved posture.
• Several states in the US are pursuing a Bitcoin reserve amid growing adoption.

The US House of Representatives has slowed down the Tennessee Bitcoin Reserve Bill (HB1695) by putting it “behind the budget.” This means the bill is not a top priority right now.

Because of this, the bill has stalled in the House. However, the Senate version is still moving forward. At the same time, more US states are exploring the idea of adding Bitcoin to their public reserves.

Tennessee Bitcoin Reserve Bill Faces House Delay

According to reports, the US House considers Bill HB1695 a low-priority bill, relegating it to the back of their agenda. This action contrasts with the Senate companion bill, numbered 2639, which has continued to progress.

The Tennessee House placed the Bitcoin Reserve Bill HB1695 behind budget discussions, signaling a lower priority. The move slows progress despite growing interest in state-level Bitcoin reserves.

The proposal, introduced by Representative Jody Barrett, would allow the state treasurer to allocate a portion of public funds into Bitcoin. Supporters argue the plan could diversify state reserves.

Meanwhile, the Senate companion bill continues advancing, showing differing approaches between chambers.

US States Expand Bitcoin Reserve Plans

Notably, Tennessee is one of several US states considering a Bitcoin reserve. As of early 2026, Texas, New Hampshire, and Arizona had passed legislation to establish or facilitate state-level Bitcoin reserves. Meanwhile, at least 26 states in total have introduced or considered similar bills to diversify public funds into digital assets.

Meanwhile, other states, including Pennsylvania and North Carolina, have introduced bills allowing up to 10% of treasury funds in Bitcoin. Several additional states are also reviewing similar proposals.

North Carolina’s S.327 bill targets authorizing the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of public funds in Bitcoin, and Ohio’s HB 703 and SB 57 legislation will allow the state to create a digital asset reserve. Other US states, including Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming, have all weighed or introduced versions of crypto reserve legislation.

These efforts reflect growing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. If adopted widely, state-level accumulation could increase long-term demand and influence broader crypto market sentiment.

Related: North Carolina Introduces Bitcoin Reserve Bill Authorizing 10% of Public Funds in BTC